Our Short-Term Results with Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Background Anticoagulant treatment is recently being replaced by more aggressive endovascular modalities in the management of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These techniques have been promoted to improve thrombus removal, prolong venous patency, prevent venous insufficiency, and reduce post thrombotic syndrome. The aim of the present study is to overview the short-term results of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for acute DVT. Methods This retrospective study is based on data from 21 acute DVT patients treated with PMT in the cardiovascular surgery department of a tertiary care center. The average age of patients was 48.76 (range: 27-69). Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were administered via right subclavian vein or contralateral femoral vein and withdrawn after PMT procedure. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was used for anticoagulation in the first 10 days postoperatively. Results Venous patency was restored in 20/21 patients (95%) at first month, and in 18/21 patients (85%) at sixth month. Valvular competency was preserved in 16 patients (76%). Balloon angioplasty with or without stent implantation was performed in three patients with stenosis in femoral or iliac veins. Conclusion In conclusion, PMT is a safe and effective treatment modality that can be used alone in the treatment of acute DVT of lower extremities in selected cases. Further controlled trials on larger series and reports on long-term results are warranted to document the actual therapeutic potential and safety this endovascular procedure.